The Chu-Han Rivalry Returns: Three Kingdoms Stand in Tripartite Balance

Amid the stunning reversal at the Battle of Gaixia, Xiang Yu escaped encirclement with the help of Lu Jing, a Mohist prodigy, and his "cicada-shedding escape plan." He returned to Jiangdong to begin his comeback. Beset on three sides by Liu Bang's relentless pursuit, Han Xin's bid to carve out territory and proclaim himself king, and Modu Chanyu's iron cavalry from the steppe, the Hegemon King broke through with innovations in military technology and geopolitical strategy, writing an epic history of the art of war in the age of cold weapons.

Conspiracies, open stratagems, political machinations, espionage, commanders

Xiang Huihui forced down the fury rising in his heart, took a deep breath, and tried to calm himself. Looking at Zhou Yin, he spoke with earnest sincerity: "You are a scion of a great Jiangdong clan, and the Hegemon King has trusted you and raised you to the rank of Grand Marshal. Now that the Hegemon King is in mortal danger, I swear by my severed finger and beg the Grand Marshal to send troops to save him!" With that, he clenched his teeth and bit off one of his own little fingers. Blood gushed out, dripping onto the ground and spreading into shocking crimson blossoms. It was a truly gruesome sight.

Zhou Yin looked at the severed finger and flowing blood, his brow furrowing slightly. But

he soon returned to his smug, self-satisfied expression. With a smile that did not reach his eyes, he said, "Xiang Huihui, I know you're a fierce general. But the Hegemon King's fortunes have run out, and defeat is certain. Why throw your life away for nothing? Stay here with me instead. Carving out territory and becoming a king will be easy."

At his words, the anger in Xiang Huihui's heart blazed like a roaring fire

and could no longer be held back. He let out a furious roar, tore a strip of cloth from his clothes, and hurriedly wrapped his severed finger.

Then he mounted his horse, tightened the reins, glared at Zhou Yin, and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Zhou Yin! Once I return victorious from defeating the enemy, I will surely..."